GRS pledges to set up sovereign wealth fund, impose CM term limit

 

SABAH POLLS | Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) today launched its manifesto for the 17th Sabah state election, outlining one vision, four pillars and 16 development strategies to guide the state’s direction over the next five years.

Among the key pledges are the establishment of a state sovereign wealth fund and limiting the tenure of the chief minister to two terms.

Under the first pillar, commitments include immediate implementation of Sabah rights under the Federal Constitution and Malaysia Agreement 1963 - including the 40 percent federal revenue entitlement, as well as pursuing regional autonomy.

The Sabah forward pillar includes a pledge to establish a Sabah sovereign wealth fund, where annual contributions will be made from the 40 percent entitlement. GRS also aims to boost the employability and income of Sabahans.

Under Sabah Prosper, the coalition pledged, among others, to resolve long-standing infrastructure issues, increase water supply, electricity, and roads. It also pledges legal and institutional reforms, including term limits for the chief minister.

The final pillar on unity includes a pledge to ensure inclusivity, equal access and opportunities for all Sabahans, while celebrating the state's diversity.

‘Better new era’

Caretaker chief minister Hajiji Noor, in his capacity as GRS chief, said the manifesto positions Sabah for a “better new era” in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development roadmap.

“This manifesto encompasses development across various sectors - economy, infrastructure, security, education, human capital development, environmental sustainability and people’s well-being – including demands for Sabah’s rights as clearly stated in the Federal Constitution,” he said.

“Indeed, the GRS struggle is by the people and for the people, towards a developed and prosperous Sabah," he added.

Hajiji expressed confidence that Sabahans would give GRS a strong mandate.

“With this more comprehensive manifesto framework, rooted in commitment towards a progressive, prosperous and united Sabah, I am confident GRS will gain strong support from the people, win the 55 seats we are contesting, and regain the Sabah government, God willing,” he said.

GRS is contesting 55 out of 73 seats. Of those seats, it is clashing with former ally BN in 44 seats.

It is also clashing with current ally Pakatan Harapan in four seats.

Plagued by scandal

GRS is being dogged by a massive corruption scandal, in which businessperson Albert Tei is alleged to have paid bribes to multiple of the coalition's leaders in the pursuit of getting a mineral exploration license.

Of those implicated, nine, including Hajiji, are contesting in the election.

Hajiji is not accused of receiving bribes, but one of the incumbent leaders implicated, caretaker deputy chief minister III Shahelmey Yahya, had implied that the caretaker chief minister was aware of the quantum of kickbacks each elected representative received.

Whistleblower Albert Tei

Incumbent Sindumin assemblyperson Yusof Yacob claimed Hajiji had “signed (off)” on a “deal” between Tei and him (Yusof).

The MACC cleared Hajiji of any wrongdoing. - Mkini